But the focus quickly turned to the commonwealth's role as a pivotal battleground state in national elections.

The attendees included Christopher Raymond, who drove from Connecticut to assess both Perry and Governor McDonnell.

"It's worth the drive to see potentially the next President of the United States and to be honest, potentially the next Vice President-because I think Bob McDonnell is going to be at the top of that list," Raymond says.

The speakers stressed that Virginia is the path to victory next year. McDonnell agreed, but did not endorse Perry and reminded the crowd to work to affect the fall elections. Perry received a standing ovation, and said the country is in trouble:

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